Bauchi Poly Targets Regional Hub Status With Flexible Technical Education

The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has said it is working to expand access to quality technical education through Open, Distance and Flexible E-Learning (ODFEL), with plans to become a leading technology education centre in the North-East and one of the best in Nigeria.

The rector, Sani Usman, said flexible learning had become increasingly important in modern education, as technological advancement had removed many of the traditional limitations associated with physical classrooms and fixed academic timetables.

He spoke at a one-day capacity-building workshop on ODFEL for staff of the polytechnic, held at the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Secretariat in Bauchi.

Represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Usman Yusuf Dutse, the rector said the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), was encouraging institutions to adopt flexible learning systems to widen access to education and meet the growing demand for skilled manpower.

He explained that ODFEL would create opportunities for people who could not participate in conventional classroom learning because of geographical barriers, work commitments or personal circumstances.

The rector identified women in rural communities and working professionals among those who could benefit from the system, which allows learners to pursue education without necessarily attending physical classes on a full-time basis.

However, he stressed that effective implementation required more than uploading lecture notes online or conducting lessons through video-conferencing platforms.

According to him, a functional ODFEL system must incorporate well-designed and interactive learning materials, digital instructional resources, virtual laboratories where appropriate, effective student-support services, continuous assessment and strong quality-assurance mechanisms.

He added that graduates of flexible learning programmes must acquire knowledge, skills and competencies comparable to those obtained through conventional education, in line with NBTE requirements.

Usman said the polytechnic was not merely interested in establishing an ODFEL centre but intended to develop into a regional hub for flexible technical education and skills development.

He identified the presence of the NBTE North-East Zonal Office within the institution, its established skills-development centre and the growth of its Management Information System (MIS) centre as advantages that could support the initiative.

According to him, the MIS centre has developed into a consultancy resource, attracting institutions across the North-East seeking guidance on its systems and operational practices.

He also cited the institution’s progress in information and communications technology, particularly in examination management and result processing, as evidence of its readiness to embrace technology-driven education.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, said the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria depended on expanding access, improving quality, embracing innovation and producing graduates with industry-relevant skills.

Bugaje, who was represented by the North-East Zonal Coordinator, Engr. Abba Danmowa, said ODFEL could advance these objectives by providing flexible and inclusive learning opportunities for people seeking education and professional qualifications.

He noted, however, that the success of the system would depend largely on staff capacity, reliable digital infrastructure, effective student support and compliance with established academic standards.

The NBTE executive secretary said academic staff must develop the skills required to design engaging online learning experiences, facilitate learning and assess students effectively.

He added that information and communications technology personnel, instructional designers and quality-assurance officers must work together to ensure that learning materials were accessible and digital platforms reliable.

He also stressed that institutional management had a responsibility to provide the policies, infrastructure and resources required to sustain flexible learning programmes.

Bugaje cautioned that flexibility in delivering technical education must not compromise practical competence.

He said institutions must make adequate arrangements for laboratory work, workshop practice, supervised learning and competency assessment to ensure that students acquired the practical skills required by their chosen professions.

He further encouraged institutions to explore the use of learning management systems, artificial intelligence, simulation technologies and learning analytics to improve teaching and learning.

However, he warned that challenges relating to digital literacy, internet connectivity, data protection, cybersecurity and the responsible use of emerging technologies must be addressed to ensure effective implementation.

Bugaje said the success of the workshop should be measured by how effectively participants translated the knowledge acquired into institutional practice.

He urged the polytechnic to develop a practical ODFEL implementation plan that would identify priority programmes, assess institutional readiness, address staff-development and infrastructure needs, strengthen student support and establish measurable targets.

In his welcome address, the Director of the programme, Dr. Auwal Abdullahi, described the workshop as an important step towards establishing a sustainable, accessible and quality-assured open and distance learning system at the institution.

He said ODFEL could expand educational opportunities for working professionals and other learners unable to participate fully in conventional face-to-face programmes.

Abdullahi, however, noted that successful implementation required more than technology, stressing the importance of qualified personnel, reliable digital infrastructure, relevant learning resources, student-support services and effective quality-assurance mechanisms.